Why Soundwalks?

These are walks in which we listen out for all of the sounds which surround us.

In order to discover the soundscapes and sonic environments that surround us, we can go on soundwalks. These are planned walks that take you on a pathway past a variety of different sound sources. You follow the pathway and listen to the sounds around you (you can think of it like a tour, but instead of looking at buildings and paintings you are listening out for the sounds around you).

Soundwalks can introduce us to new sounds, and help us to train our listening skills. When people take part in their first soundwalk, they are often surprised by how many different sounds they can hear.

Where Do Soundwalks Take Place?

Soundwalks might take place within buildings or outside. They might either take us to a few locations that are very different, or to locations that contain a lot of similar sounds.

Soundwalks are most interesting when the journey of the soundwalk passes through a range of different sonic environments.

Soundwalk Instructions

What Do I Need for a Soundwalk?

The first thing that you’ll need is a supervisor or a couple of friends who are willing to listen to sounds with you.

This will keep you safe and also give you someone to talk to about the sounds that you hear on your walk.

The next thing that you’ll need is a route.

Perhaps look at a map and try to plan a journey that takes you through a few different areas (e.g. past houses, a factory, a river, near a road), but also passes through key locations (e.g. past the town centre with the clock bell, the railway station, the bus station, the shopping centre).

Once you have your route planned then you’ll be ready to set off. Be sure to take any supplies with you that you might need (snacks are always a good idea) and be prepared for the weather.